France

France has a medium to high prevalence of MS. Overall policies and provision for people with MS are good.

Discrimination against people with disabilities is forbidden by French law and enforced effectively. Access to treatment and therapies is reasonably good and the health system also covers symptomatic treatment and rehabilitation.

The ratio of neurologists is very high, so patients can be followed closely. A quarter of people with MS work part-time and about one third full-time. French law also protects people with MS in employment and they can request flexible conditions. Early retirement with a small pension is also possible.

However, there is less financial support for home and workplace adaptation, compared to other countries.

EMSP’s MS Barometer offers additional country insights. It also shows that access to treatment, therapies and employment varies greatly across Europe (MS BAROMETER)